Description
Get ready for a super easy and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal with this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta! All cooked in one pan, this dish features savory ground beef and perfectly al dente bowtie pasta swimming in a rich, velvety cream sauce. It’s pure comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an instant family favorite!
Ingredients
Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean (85/15), for hearty flavor.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): 12 oz, for fun shape and texture.
Onion: 1 small, finely diced, for savory base.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for depth.
Beef Broth: 2 cups, low-sodium, for cooking pasta.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened, for richness.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, for nutty flavor.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for herby notes.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste.
Optional Add-Ins: 1 cup sliced mushrooms or 1 cup spinach, for extra veggies.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped, or red pepper flakes.
Optional Side: Garlic bread or green salad.
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Dice onion, mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and measure broth, cream, and seasonings. If using mushrooms or spinach, prep them now.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in bowtie pasta, beef broth, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most broth is absorbed.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If using mushrooms, sauté them with the onions; if using spinach, stir it in now until wilted. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
5. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, One-Pan Meal
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600-650 kcal
- Sugar: 3-5 g
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg
- Fat: 35-40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18-20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Cholesterol: N/A